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LeBron’s mother arrested at posh Miami Beach hotel

The mother of Miami Heat star LeBron James was arrested by Miami Beach police after she reportedly assaulted a valet worker because it was taking too long to have her car delivered.

This Aug. 22, 2009, file photo shows Gloria James, mother of basketball star LeBron James, watching a group of bike riders as she waits to start another group of riders at the "King for Kids Bikeathon" in Akron, Ohio (PHIL LONG / AP)

Thu., April 7, 2011

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—The mother of Miami Heat star LeBron James was arrested by Miami Beach police after she reportedly assaulted a valet worker because it was taking too long to have her car delivered.

Police said Gloria James had a strong odour of alcohol on her breath and her eyes were bloodshot when officers arrived at the hotel about 4:47 a.m. Thursday.

According to the arrest report, James asked a valet, Sorel Rockfeller to get her SUV for her.

Police said Rockfeller brought the car and proceeded to wait for 30 minutes, but James wouldn’t get in her vehicle. She was talking to other patrons so the valet finally turned off the SUV and gave the keys to the valet cashier.

A short time later, James did come looking for the car, saying "where are my f---ing keys" and yelling profanities at the valet, according to the report.

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“Then, for no apparent reason (James) struck the victim with an open hand across the right side of his face and in the process causing herself to lose her balance and falling to the ground,” the report states.

James was taken to the Miami Beach Police Department, where she was issued a promise to appear on charges of simple battery and disorderly conduct. The police report says she refused to have her picture taken and was released to Heat executive Steve Stowe.

“It’s a sensitive subject,” LeBron James said after the Heat practised Thursday afternoon. “It’s a personal matter. It’s being taken care of.

“You have to move forward,” the NBA’s two-time reigning MVP said. “It is my life and there’s certain things you have to deal with. You try not to let it be a distraction. I have a job to do, still.”

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